Museu Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro

About the museum

The Museu Bordalo Pinheiro opened in 1916 and was the first Portuguese museum built from the ground up to house the work of a single artist. The building, in Campo Grande, was designed in 1914 by the architect Álvaro Machado and received an honourable mention at the Prémio Valmor. The museum was founded by Artur Ernesto de Santa Cruz Magalhães, who donated it to Lisbon City Council in 1924.

After renovation works, it reopened in 1926 under the direction of Julieta Ferrão, niece of the founder and the first woman to direct a museum in Portugal. The entrance is through an avenue with a century-old wisteria, one of the building’s symbols. Today the museum is run by EGEAC and comprises the house, a technical building and a temporary exhibition gallery.

The collection brings together the most complete body of work by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro (1846–1905): ceramics, tiles, decorative pieces, humorous drawings, comics and illustration, with emphasis on Zé Povinho, a character created in 1875 who still represents the Portuguese people today. A new long-term exhibition opened in January 2026.

Highlights

• The most complete collection of the work of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro
• Zé Povinho and political caricature
• Ceramics and tiles from the Caldas da Rainha ceramics factory
• 1914 building by Álvaro Machado with a wisteria at the entrance
• Accessibility features: audio description, raised-line drawings and sign-language tours

Permanent exhibition

• Exposição de longa duração – A tour of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro’s work in sections such as “Bordalo à Mesa”, “Bordalo ao Espelho” and “Zé Povinho, Identidade e Política”, with ceramics, tiles and humorous drawing.

Founded

1916

Operated by

EGEAC – Câmara Municipal de Lisboa

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Residents of the municipality of Lisbon: free admission on Sundays and public holidays until 14:00. All visitors: 18 May, International Museum Day.

Free admission also for Lisbon residents aged 65 and over, young people aged 13 to 18 and unemployed persons, Lisboa Card holders, teachers, researchers, journalists and tourism professionals, upon proof. Free tickets are only available from the museum ticket office.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description

Entrance by a ramp with a handrail, an automatic door and a ticket counter with a lowered section; the two buildings have a ground floor and a first floor, connected by stairs and a goods lift; adapted toilet on the ground floor and a wheelchair available for visitors. The Sala da Paródia has four steps and is not accessible to wheelchair users. Two reserved parking spaces, to be requested in advance. Inclusive resources: a preparatory visit document in plain language, a pictogram guide, a guide with audio description, raised-line drawings with Braille, and ceramic pieces to touch during guided tours. Regular guided tours with audio description and in Portuguese Sign Language.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

Preparatory visit document for families with young children, with photographs and simple text; circulation space for pushchairs.

Getting there & parking

The bus stop near Universidade Lusófona is about 110 metres away, a 2-minute walk.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with publications and items linked to the artist. There are seating areas in the garden and the courtyard.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit